Bricklaying in the genes for Dave

Dave Taylor always thought he wanted to be a builder but, when the opportunity for him to take on a bricklaying apprenticeship came up, he grabbed it with open arms.

You could say that bricklaying is a family affair for Dave.

His dad was a bricklayer and so was his father-inlaw.

He started his bricklaying apprenticeship with Les Greenwell in 1981 and stayed with Les until 1990, when he decided to go out on his own.

Thus Dave Taylor Bricklaying Ltd was born.

‘‘If it wasn’t for Les I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’ve done.

‘‘He’s old school and a brilliant tradesman.

‘‘I hold Les in very high regard,’’ Dave said.

‘‘When I decided to go out on my own, Les helped me find a vehicle and wished me luck. I really couldn’t have asked for anyone better to do my apprenticeship with.’’

Dave has been building cowsheds since the 1990s and he and his team have built cowsheds all over the country.

For a long time, Dave was the only one keen enough to take on the construction of new cowsheds.

Dave said the pressure is always on to complete the cowshed quickly because of the time constraints on farmers.

There is no such thing as a standard shed, according to Dave – no shed is exactly the same and it is critical to spend time with the farmer so it is clear what their desired outcome is.

Dave said he is lucky to have such a great group of people working for him, including his wife Jan, who takes care of all the book work.

‘‘We are a very effective team, we get in there and get things done.

‘‘We all pull together to get our jobs completed on time,’’ he said.

‘‘Sometimes that means working seven days a week.’’

Although building cowsheds is one of Dave Taylor Bricklaying’s specialities, Dave and his team have also worked on massive commercial jobs for Stanley Construction, including the Chateau at Mt Ruapehu, Waikato Hospital and numerous Burger Kings, KFCs and Starbucks.

Dave said it was great working so closely with Shane and Sarah Goldsmith during the construction of their new cowshed and effluent system.

‘‘Shane was always open to new ideas and suggestions. It makes it a lot easier,’’ he said.

An open day will be held at the Goldsmiths’ new cowshed on Thursday, November 22.

There will be a sausage sizzle and a few refreshments served and it will also give other contractors and suppliers the opportunity to showcase the goods and services they provided during the construction of the cowshed.

Everyone is welcome to attend.